Grant funding for triple helix partnerships to develop innovation clusters outside earmarked regions.
The deadline for applications is 4pm on Thursday 12 February 2026.
Who it is for
Triple helix partnerships made up of academia, industry and civic organisations, based in areas outside earmarked regions.
Lead organisation must be an eligible research or public sector organisation, or another form of regional leadership body with the necessary capacity and resources. Eligible lead organisations include
- higher education providers
- research institutes
- public sector research establishments
- NHS bodies
- independent research organisations
- local government partners that have been granted non-standard eligibility for this funding opportunity
Business and international organisations cannot apply as the lead organisation.
Partnerships must operate within a specific functional economic geography and meet criteria for the supported activities. They also need to provide clear evidence of private sector match funding and explain how their activities will help develop the identified priority clusters.
Support you can get
The full economic cost of your project portfolio including administrative costs can be up to £20 million. Up to £200,000 of your total award can be used to cover administrative and operational costs to support delivery.
Funding is designed to support a broad range of research and development activity that accelerates commercialisation, technology adoption, business scale-up and private investment.
The maximum duration of this award is five years.
How to apply
Check eligibility and apply through the UKRI Funding Service.
Support organisers
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Next Steps
on the UKRI website
Published
18 November 2025
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